ns, but here we stand as private adversaries, man to man, and
I challenge you, sir--I challenge you to mortal combat. I will have
satisfaction! You have insulted me as a nobleman, as a Frenchman, and
as a soldier. No consideration shall restrain me. I dare not use my
sword--well, then, we will fight with pistols. As to time and place,
expect me to-morrow, at eight o'clock, in the Thiergarden."

"I accept the conditions, and I will await you with your seconds," said
Baron Marshal.

"If the baron has not chosen his seconds," said a soft voice behind him,
"I beg to offer my services."

Baron Marshal turned, and saw an officer in the Austrian uniform.

"Count Ranuzi," cried Belleville, astonished; "how, monsieur! you offer
yourself as second to my adversary? I had thought to ask this service of
you."

"I suspected so," said Ranuzi, with his accustomed calm and quiet
manner, "therefore I anticipated you. The right is certainly on the side
of Baron Marshal, and in offering myself as his second. I do so in the
name of all the Austrian officers who are present. They have all seen
the events of this evening with painful indignation. Without doubt the
world will soon be acquainted with them; we wish to make an open,
public demonstration that we wholly disapprove the conduct of the French
officers. The nutshells thrown behind the fauteuil of the queen have
made us your adversaries, Count Belleville."

"That is not the occasion of this duel, but the affront offered me by
Baron Marshal," cried Belleville. "This being the case, will you still
be the second of my opponent?"

"I was compelled to insult you," said Baron Marshal, "because you
would have given me no satisfaction for the nutshells thrown behind the
fauteuil of the queen; but be assured that I don't fight with you in
order that you may wash out my offence with my blood, but wholly and
alone that your blood may wash away the nutshells from the feet of the
queen."

Baron Marshal then turned to Ranuzi. "I accept your offer, sir, and
rejoice to make the acquaintance of a true nobleman. Have the goodness
to meet the seconds of Count Belleville, and make all necessary
arrangements. I will call for you early in the morning. I only say
further that it is useless to make any attempts at reconciliation--I
shall not listen to them. Prussia and France are at war. My great king
has made no peace--I also will not hear of it. The nutshells lie behind
the fauteuil of the queen, a